Combination Conundrum 5

Everyone in the dining room stopped what they were doing when they heard the commotion coming from the kitchen. Dipper was the first to respond. Whatever was happening didn't sound good. He'd never heard Pacifica cry out like this before. He'd seen and heard her when she was annoyed, but even he hadn't seen her when she was this upset. He'd seen her smile, laugh, cry, and even disgusted. Never had he seen her angry, not like this.

When he entered the kitchen, he could tell just how angry she was without hearing one syllable. Her body from the waist up was hunched over, her eyes were closed and a severe scowl was etched over her face. She looked tired, as if the argument had drained something deep within her. Both her arms were trembling and her hands were clenched into tiny fists.

Dipper calmly asked what was going on. None of the twins had ever heard Pacifica speak in such a manner. The temper she had displayed in that secret room that night at the party, was nothing compared to what he had witnessed with his own ears. Thankfully, unlike her father, she could be talked too without loosing her composure. Nevertheless, he wanted to start off small and with questions moderate enough to avoid placing blame or shame upon her. After all, he knew somewhat of what she had been through. Though it must have been hard on her. Pacifica told him about some of what she had to endure, none of which could be described as being fun or enjoyable.

“Nothing really. Just your average child, parent dispute.”, she said, her head still hanging low.

Dipper had his share of these types of arguements, most of which he never won. They were your typical, young child wants and wishes. Ones that wouldn't do him any good if he had gotten his way in the first place. Pacificas', on the other hand, were completely different. He'd heard about over bearing and over protective parents before. Ones who guarded their child's life as if they were constantly in danger. The Northwests weren't what you would call your standard, concerned parents. Her mother would often scold Pacifica, if her apparel didn't meet with her standards. Her father wasn't any better, only worse. Preston had actually tried to mold his own daughter to fit his needs. Using manipulations of ethical boundaries, self respect and humility to create a Perfect Child. Brain washing also came into play as part in his unique form of child baring. Nobody really knew the really Pacifica Northwest, because she wasn't who she wanted to be. She had become more of a puppet then anything else. Controlled by a self centered, greedy father. She had shattered through this shell months ago. It seemed, judging by her body language, that he was still trying to bring her back to the Darkside. It would never happen but that didn't mean he wouldn't try.

“Would you like to talk about it? It always makes me feel better if I discuss a problem with a friend.”, he suggested.

She shrugged. There wasn't much to say. It was always the same thing over and over again. Her parents, apart from being the worst in the whole entire world. Everything revolved around one thing, Respect. Of course, they're definition of the word was different from what one found in any dictionary. There was no honor in their description of, 'Respect'. Trust, compassion or love was never apart of that word; not too them. What they wanted out of her when it came to, 'Respect', was to obey them
without question!

Her mother was beginning to ease up on Pacifica. No longer did she scorn or scoff at her when she wore what others her age were wearing. Priscilla was starting to learn that her daughter was growing up. She had started to loosen that proverbial noose that was tied about the girl's throat. Preston, whoever, had not! He tighten that invisible, thick rope and was continually trying to choke her with it! Sometimes she swore she could feel it, constricting her every thought and movement. A horrid, unseeing snake with no thought but to extinguish what was left of her free will. The phone call was just another to add to the list of methods he was still using. It wasn't just the way he spoke to her but the subject matter in general. She knew how he felt about selling the manor. He was born their, actually born in one of the rooms. Pacifica's birth took place in a hospital, like most babies. So she understood that it was tearing him apart but why take it out on her? Had he forgotten that she spent most of her childhood within those same walls? According to him, she hadn't. Heck, when they moved into the new manor, he made it clear she was not to complain or feel anything other then utter contentment. He, on the other hand, would bicker, grumble and complain everyday. He despised McGucket and at one time wanted to throw him out of the old homestead. It didn't matter if he had paid for the property or not. Nobody but Preston Northwest deserved to live up on the hill. This also included his wife and daughter. She sometimes wondered if he had any love in him at all. When she went to stay at the Mystery Shack, she didn't have the heart to tell him. She told her mother and then sent a letter to him explaining her decision. Not long after, he called her up and cursed her for not having the courage to speak too him directly. When she tried explaining all she got back was shouts of uncontrollable anger. Now he had threatened to literally disown her, which did little to change her mind. If they hadn't disowned her by now, her father was acting as if he already had.

“It's been close to a year now and I haven't even gotten my chance to see the place.”, she said to no one really, though she said it while facing the boy.

He figured she was speaking about the manor house on the hill. He was correct, though he was confused as to the urgency in which her father was trying to keep her away from it. What possible harm could it be for one to revisit their old stomping grounds? He thought about that man, Mr. Glitterscale or something like that. Did her dad think he might try to abduct her? Clearly he must have gotten an invitation as well.

Pacifica reassured him that wasn't the case. The person in question was much more professional and far more honest then to get involved in anything illegal. No, it was just Preston being his normal, uncaring self. To be honest, she never thought she would ever get use to her new home. Even her mother seemed distressed over the move. It was her father that hated it! He expected all others to be fine with the changes, but not him.

“He doesn't care about anyone but himself, Dipper.”, she said with a sigh.

“So, what are you going to do about it?”

She gave him a smile and said she was going to do what she had planned all along. She was going to that party, whether her parents liked it or not!

……………….

Later that night, when everyone had retired for the evening; Dipper stayed up. He was busy jotting down a few notes in his own journal.

The attic was pretty much how he remembered it, except it was much cleaner then before. No doubt Soos or his grandmother had been up there fixing the place up. The walls and floor had been scrubbed down. Not one cobweb could be seen, and the beds had clean sheets. Even the triangular window had been washed. Just the sight of that certain three-sided shape filled him with memories he'd rather forget. Sadly, trying to get the memory of Bill Cipher out of ones brain was easier said then done. Dipper had tried hard to forget Bill but nothing he did seemed to work. Instead he started his own journal to try and purge those horrible events from his mind. Surprisingly, it was working. The hard part of actually trying to go to sleep. So much had happened in one day; not to mention the party at McGucket's was tomorrow. Everything from the town itself to Pacifica's parents were being effected by it. Of course, if the Northwests still occupied the place, nobody in town would've been invited. Plus, who would be able to stop them? The Lumberjack's spirit had been appeased. So Pacifica would've been correct in saying they would shut everyone out again. Perhaps that was what was eating away at her father. Dipper could almost sense how the guy was feeling. It felt good to know that what went around was now coming around for Mr. Northwest. Getting a taste of ones own medicine might be just what he needed.

On the otherside of the room, Mable was trying to get to sleep. She never had a problem before but nothing was working. She tried listening to Waddles soft grunts, snuggling up with Bear-O; even counting the circles in the wooden ceiling wasn't making her drowsy. It couldn't be all the excitement and she only had drunk three cans of Pitt Cola. There was only one other thing it could be, she was worried about something or someone. That's when she sat up and turned toward her brother. Calling out his name she asked if he thought Pacifica was alright.

“What do you mean, is she alright?”, he said, still writing in his journal.

“I mean do you think she'll be alright going to the party? Wendy told me that she hadn't been back their in over ten months. Plus that call she got from her dad…..”

Dipper stopped writing and looked over at his sister. How did she know it was her father? Had he told her or did she? Did it really matter who told her, obviously not. She just wanted to know if Pacifica was going to be alright.

“I wouldn't worry Mabel, Pacifica is strong and she'll get through it just fine.”

He didn't know if he was telling Mabel to make her feel better or himself. The truth was, he was just as worried as shwe was. Neither of them knew what it was like to move into a new house. They had lived in the same place in Piedmont, California since they could remember. Even Gravity Falls was temporary and they knew they'd be back once school ended. Plus, they had been in contact with all their friends throughout the year. So, they didn't know for sure if she could handle it but they would be there for her.

Mabel felt better knowing she would be okay. “Thanks Dipper, now could you do me a favor before you go to bed?”, she asked.

“I guess so, what is it?”

“Good you give Bear-O a Goodnight Kiss for me!?”

Before Dipper could speak, the cross eyed bear's face was pressed against his. The scream he uttered could have shattered glass and woke the dead at the same time. He couldn't stand that puppet! He also hated it when Mabel incorporated him and that freaky toy puppet! Slowly he caught his breath and told her never to do that again.

Mabel giggled and went back to bed.

Dipper tried going back to his journal but couldn't concentrate! He knew if he looked over, Bear-O would be staring at him. Just the mere thought of it sent chills up his spine. Ever since she got that thing for Christmas back when she was eight. Ever since she opened that box and Bear-O came out, he had a dreadful fear of him. He didn't know why. He was never afraid of dolls, clowns or anything else that a young child his age might be terrified of. But that bear puppet scared the life out of him. Even when Mabel was just playing with him, he couldn't stand it! Whether it was telling jokes, dancing or trying to put his mouth over Dipper's head, which he disliked most of all. He'd would run off screaming in terror, he swore that thing was alive and wanted to hurt him.

There was this little chair that was used when Mabel had Tea Party's. That chair, for some reason, always faced the foot of his bed. This same seat just happened to be home to that monstrous piece of stuffing and fabric. Those cross eyes staring out at him through the darkness. He'd rather have the Boogeyman come out of his closet or something slither out from under his bed, then having that thing watching him all night long. It was no wonder the poor kid lost so much sleep. About the only time he didn't hide under the covers was when Mabel slept with him. Even then, he had the most unnerving thoughts! Like if he went to sleep, Bear-O would be standing over him, whispering things into his ear!

Even now, he knew he was looking at him! That buck toothed mouth opened, ready to take a bite out of him when he closed his eyes. For the first time in four years, Dipper crawled under the covers for fear that the evil bear puppet might come to life and eat him!

……………….

Down on the second floor, in one of the guest rooms. Pacifica stared out her window, looking up towards the star in the blackened sky.  She wondered how tomorrow would go and if going back to the old manor was even worth it. She felt it was but was still uncertain. The phone call she had received from her father and spread doubt in her mind. She still couldn't believe he had threatened to disinherit her, as well as other things, just for waiting to go back their. Nothing made any sense and she couldn't help but feel sorry for her father. All his resentment and anger had caused him to miss the good things in life. She hoped and prayed he would find some peace before the end.

With that, she walked over to the bed. After a brief prayer, she climbed into bed and slowly feel asleep.

……………….

The day had finally come. After months of planning and preparation, The McGucket Ranch House was going to be opened to the general public. The whole town was a buzz with excitement and as the hours ticked down, people began to prepare themselves for what would be the biggest gala in all the history of Gravity Falls. To think that the Northwest Gathering, that was held every year was all anyone could talk about back in those hot, summer months. Now, it was as if there name was all but forgotten, except for a blurb in the Gravity Falls Gossiper. Rumor had it that the Northwests hadn't except the invitations, they were shutting themselves inside their manor. Though it was known that the youngest of their family was going to attend.

To think that anyone in town respected the young daughter of Preston and Priscilla Northwest. However, she had changed. Before she was nothing more then a rich girl with no respect for others. A bully and an abuser of her money and power, much like her father was. They were glad when she became a real member of society. Who could forget what she had done to the old community pool. It was said she had used her own money to fix the place and even open a brand new gymnasium at the high school. Though she would never admit to these deeds of goodwill, the people all knew the truth. Why her parents never felt the joy of her accomplishments was never understood. You'd think they would be proud, but all anyone ever heard from them was how ashamed they were. Maybe they just didn't understand her. Even if they didn't, the townsfolk knew and that's all that really mattered.

……………….

Pacifica felt nervous as she put on her violet dress with the black ruffles around the shoulders and base. Along with the matching gloves and diamond studded slippers. She was as ready, as she ever would be. Not only was this the only dress she had brought with her but it was the exact same one she had worn last year at her family's annual gathering. The only thing she had to worry about wasn't the event itself but getting their alive. Wendy had upped to drive them and after hearing about Dipper's experience in that old, beat up truck. She wondered if they would make it to the party alive!

A light rapping knock came from her door, it was Dipper. He was decked out in his own suit but not the same one he had borrowed from last years' gala. The suit, though black in color, much like the one he had worn, the bow tie wasn't nearly as uncomfortable and the collar wasn't trying to strangle him. He asked her if she was ready to go.

Pacifica nodded and took hold of Dipper's hand as they both made their way down the stairs to the front door. A smile spread across the girl's face. Tonight was going to be one to remember. She was looking forward to seeing the manor again, as well as any changes McGucket may have done to the place.

Many things had been talked about around town. They said he had completely redid the walls and gates. Some said he had a petting zoo up there, which made Mabel giddy with joy. She hadn't been to a petting zoo since she met Octavia, the nine legged cow. Others spoke of a spring made out of pure chocolate. Still others hinted about a room that housed chickens instead of people. All these stories, whether they were true or simple fantasy; all had the people wanting to see the place and find out if these tales were true. As for Pacifica, these tales didn't deter her from going back to a place she once called, Home.

……………….

The ride up the mountain, though bumpy, wasn't anything like Dipper had experienced. Then again, parts of the roadway were quite treacherous. After being so close to ground level at her new home, Pacifica had forgotten just how dangerous the path up the mountain really was. Even in a limousine, you wouldn't dare look out the window. She tried it once. Upon gazing downward at the tree tops, she never wished to view such a sight ever again. She felt bad for those that road in the back. There were no seats or seat belts in that dreadful, opened area. From there you could see it all, the beautiful sky with it's deep reds and orangery blends as sunset descended over the mountains. She felt guilty being the one to ride shotgun. There was enough room for three inside the canopy. But the others insisted she ride in the front. She worried that after seeing the heights on which they were ascending, fear would overtake them. Thankfully, nobody panicked as the truck moved upwards.

Soon it would be dark. It was harder to see the road during the night, which would account for all the times the Northwests stayed indoors. Pacifica wondered just how all the towns people got up their all those years. More importantly, how where they going to make it to the top? In front of them was a long line of vehicles. Some were big, while others were mid sized. She swore she saw a RV about three cars up. Why anyone would want to journey on this road in one of those was beyond her. Not that the path was in poor condition; far from it. It was the edges that concerned her, as it did the driver.

Wendy had been known to break the speed limit. It was this that had gotten her in trouble with the law. Perhaps this was why she was driving her dad's truck. Pacifica had never met Manly Dan up close, but his reputation wasn't one someone would forget. The guy had muscles to spare and it was told that he once chopped down an oak with his bare hand! Whether that was true or not, Dipper could testify too the man's strength. The Manliness Tester machine at Greasy's was never the same. Not after Wendy's father best it with nothing more then his pinky finger. It was just the sort of display of power that might have taken the rebellious driver out of Wendy. At the moment she was working the steering wheel and pedals with extreme caution. She had never been up to the old Northwest Manor before. Her family had gone up every year. It seemed like such a big deal but for her, it was a waste of time going up their and just standing outside the gates. If she had been there, she would've organized a group to storm the walls. Now she was actually going up their and she couldn't wait to arrive. The pathway coupled with the amount of vehicles, made the trip far more hectic then normal.

Finally, the endlessly curving road was coming to an end. Pacifica could see the gate now. It was different then how she remembered it. For one thing, there were no doors blocking entry. Nothing but a wide, open archway. Up above was a sign that read: 'McGucket Ranch House'. As for the infamous brick wall. It had been replaced with an iron fence that wasn't very high. There wasn't any type of prong or spike to prevent anyone from climbing over it either. The gate did have two doors and like the fence itself. It was just high enough to keep people from climbing over it. Pacifica found this to be extremely odd. The purpose of a fence was to keep people from entering. So why was it so low and without added protection. They all where about to solve the mystery of the short fencing.

Once they passed through the gateway, Pacifica noticed something immediately. The two hedges that where in front. The ones made to look like an N and W; they were gone. In their place was a wide patch of grass and nothing else. The fountain was still where it should be but the marble basin had been removed. The water flowing from the fountain ran along a wide stream and flowed into two, large circular ponds. Several horses could be seen trouting about the front lawn. Several had stopped to drink from one of the two ponds. Horses weren't the only animals that made the grounds their home. On the right side stood four chicken pens, six pig pens and a family of goats within a squared section of wooden fencing. To the left where three horse stables. Each one of these stations had been built by hand and painted with gold. Food and water where dispersed by a conduit of networking pipes that connected to a small hut on the right side of the manor. All the feed and slop was equally distributed from this hut. Though the live stock wasn't the only kinds of animals that lived at McGucket Ranch. Ducks, geese and other critters waddled and scampered about the lawn. It indeed was a ranch. Preston Northwest would've flipped if he could see the place. Wild and farm animals roaming about the grounds. He'd have a stroke just from the thought! If he didn't like the grounds, Preston would've cringed once he entered the foyer.

Pacifica knew the inside all too well. Even though it was backed with people, it was undeniably the same place. The floor still had the same pattern edged into it's surface. The stairwell in the back that branched out into two separate paths, stood just as it was; though the matting was a different color. It was always a maroon mat that decorated the surface of the stairs. Apparently, Fiddleford didn't take to the color and changed it to a forest green. It wasn't a bad choice at all. As for the fireplace that stood center on the first level. It was still present and burning brightly. The family portrait that had graced the space above it now hung in the new Northwest Manor. The image that took it's place was that of Fiddle ford and his son, Tate. It wasn't a particularly fancy painting. It looked more like and enlarged picture that had been framed. The image itself was of a father and son fishing. Pacifica liked the fact that the two got back together. If only her family would do the same.

Dipper was impressed with the changes so far. Though some of the animals that had wondered in from outside where making a mess at the refreshment tables. Even Waddles had gone out of control when he saw the cheese fountain, and as for his owner. Mabel had already dived into the Smile Dip that was situated at the candy bar. The last time she had that stuff she got so sick from sugar over lode that her stomach ached for four days. Thankfully, she didn't become too entranced by the packets of sugar goodness. Her two friends, Candy and Grenda  had found her. After some friendly hugs, they went off together. As for Wendy, she spotted her brothers wrestling in the giant apple cider pool and wanted to join in. Nothing said closeness to the Corduroy's then a good, old fashion wrestling match. That left Dipper and Pacifica alone.

Now that they were alone, it was the perfect time to tell him. Pacifica had been waiting for this moment for quite some time. Now was her chance to express to him how she felt. However, someone had caught the attention of the thirteen year old. Across the room, close to the stairway was a middle aged man. He recognized his features from an article in the Gossiper. It was Mr. Gumstretch or however you pronounced his last name.

He was a tall fellow with shortly cropped, black hair. The bangs where parted on either side, making a wave like formation in the curves of flowing hair. He wore steel rim glasses and a lightly shaven mustache. He wore a dark blue dress coat that was button in the front. The light blue shirt and stripped tie made him look sophisticated but not too exquisitely fashioned. In fact, he seemed to be having a wonderful time speaking with several of the attendees. Why Pacifica's father despised this man was beyond him. Then again, anything about her father perplexed him.

“Dipper?”, she asked while lightly tapping his shoulder.

He turned to face her, feeling a bit embarrassed. He didn't mean to trail off like that. He was just taken back when he saw that man. He needed apologize though. Pacifica was just as surprised as he was. Then again, everyone in town had been invited. Perhaps he had found another business partner. She hope he had. All this business with her family had been such a blight on him. But these things were much better dealt by the gentleman himself, she had her own dealings to attend to. She asked Dipper if he wouldn't mind going some place less occupied.

“Sure.”, he replied with a smile.

As the two walked away, they were greeted by the host of this evenings event, Mr. Fiddleford Hadron McGucket. “Howdy!”, he called out in his is usual, cheerful manner.

“McGucket!”, they both said.

The old man chuckled and patted Dipper on the back. He wanted to know how they were enjoying themselves.

There were no complaints from either of them, which made the old man feel better. Anything could happen at these types of gatherings. He was happy to know that nothing out of the ordinary had happened yet, but the night was still young. Judging by how those four were caring on in the cider pool, he reckoned there was going to be some clean up later on. Not that it mattered, he'd found the one he was looking for. and it wasn't Dipper.

“I heard you was going to be here and well, Hee Hee! I got something to show ya!”, he said, looking over at Pacifica.

She was flattered, if not somewhat embarrassed. The last time she met the old guy was when the deed to the manor was handed over to him. She could still hear the grinding of her dad's teeth as he placed his signature on the line. Ever since that day, her father had nothing nice to say about him. Even using the old phrase McSuck It wasn't good enough. He still was trying to match that one, so far Preston was at a loss for words, a rare moment indeed.

At first, she didn't want to leave Dipper alone but he said he would be fine. Besides, McGucket wasn't as crazy as he acted. Heck, even after purchasing a grand house such as this, he still wore his old attire. Not even the largest piece of property in all of Gravity Falls would make the old man change the way he was. For that, Dipper was grateful. Not too many would stay the same after moving into such an elegant piece of realistate.

“I'll see you in a few moments.”, Pacifica said with a smile.

“I'll be right here waiting.”, he replied, trying to hide the brightness spreading about his cheeks.